Seth Sulka Steps Down as Mercury GM

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Seth Sulka is an 18-year veteran of professional sports, all with the Phoenix Suns organization.

(Jeramie McPeek/PhoenixMercury.com)

Posted: Sept. 1, 2006

The Phoenix Mercury announced today that Seth Sulka has stepped down as general manager of the club.

“We agreed with Seth that it was the right time for him, and for the team, to make this move,” said Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver. “Seth has been an incredibly loyal and dedicated employee, and the Mercury and Suns organizations both are indebted to him for his commitment and service.”

“With the Mercury’s foundation set, it is time for me to move on and find new ways to contribute to the women’s sports scene,” said Sulka. “It’s been an incredible experience to watch professional women’s basketball grow and thrive and to be part of the process as so many young girls are being influenced by these inspirational women athletes. The Mercury is in great shape moving forward, finishing the year as one of the hottest teams in the league and showing they can be successful against the league’s top teams.”

An original Mercury employee, Sulka is an 18-year veteran of professional sports, all with the Phoenix Suns organization. He began his career as an intern in the Phoenix Suns’ media relations office in 1988 while still a student at Arizona State University. Prior to the Mercury’s arrival in 1996, Sulka had an integral role in launching the Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football League), the Phoenix Smash (World Team Tennis) and the Arizona Sandsharks (Continental Indoor Soccer League). Prior to becoming general manager in 2001, Sulka had served as the Mercury’s vice president of operations since the team’s inception in 1996. Recognized for his experience and knowledge in the women’s game, Sulka has served two terms on USA Basketball’s women’s senior national selection committee, and also served on the WNBA’s competition committee.

“The style of play that Coach Paul Westhead brought to the WNBA created excitement throughout the league and allowed talented All-Stars like Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter to captivate fans with their performances,” said Sarver. “We are going to pick up next season where we left off this year, and our goal remains to bring a WNBA Championship to Phoenix.”

Sarver said that team is looking to name a new general manager within a relatively short time frame.